Black market weapons trafficking case delayed

Hampton man allegedly dealt firearms online

HAMPTON — Federal prosecutors are seeking additional time to indict a Hampton man accused of illegally trafficking firearms through New Jersey on an underground, Internet-based marketplace known as "Black Market Reloaded."

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By Patrick Cronin

seacoastonline.com

By Patrick Cronin

Posted Dec. 12, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By Patrick Cronin

Posted Dec. 12, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

HAMPTON — Federal prosecutors are seeking additional time to indict a Hampton man accused of illegally trafficking firearms through New Jersey on an underground, Internet-based marketplace known as "Black Market Reloaded."

Matthew Crisafi, 38, of Esker Road, was extradited to New Jersey last month after he was arrested on a warrant on three firearm trafficking charges by special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. He was released on $50,000 bail.

Last week, a federal judge signed off on a prosecutor's request seeking an extra 60 days to present the case before a grand jury for indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Carletta said the defendant agreed to the extension, noting that one reason for the delay is that they are working on a plea deal.

Crisafi, who is the owner of an independent trucking company in New Hampshire, faces charges of unlicensed sale of firearms, smuggling of firearms from the United States to an overseas destination, and conspiring to commit money laundering in connection with firearms trafficking activities.

According to the complaint, the Homeland Security Investigation began in April, when special agents started to look into illicit sales activity on Black Market Reloaded. The Web site provides a platform for vendors and buyers to conduct anonymous online transactions involving the sale of a variety of illegal goods, including firearms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics and counterfeit items.

Unlike mainstream e-commerce Web sites, BMR is only accessible via the Tor network — a special computer network designed to enable users to conceal their identities and locations. Transactions on BMR are conducted using Bitcoin, an anonymous, decentralized form of electronic currency that only exists online.

During the investigation, federal officials said they learned Crisafi maintained a seller's profile on BMR to advertise the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition.

The complaint states that over about a three-month period, Crisafi negotiated with an undercover officer, whom he believed was an international purchaser of firearms, to sell several semi-automatic handguns and rifles. In all, Crisafi is alleged to have sold multiple firearms to the undercover officer, valued by law enforcement to be worth more than $11,000 on the black market.

The complaint states Crisafi shipped the firearms in packages through the U.S. Postal Service.

Investigators noted that several of the weapons Crisafi sold were sent to the undercover officer through a location in New Jersey, where they were seized by law enforcement officials.

Meanwhile, Crisafi faces unrelated charges in Hampton. He was arrested at the Hampton police station on Nov. 18 on a warrant for one count of possession of controlled or narcotic drugs and one count of possession of controlled drugs.